Intermediate Apprenticeships

26 Jan, 2018

What is an Intermediate Apprenticeship?

An Intermediate Apprenticeship can be a great choice for school leavers, especially for those want good career progression without taking the A-level route. Intermediate Apprenticeships are the first level of apprenticeships – a Level 2 qualification.

The programmes are equivalent to five good GCSE passes, with apprentices working towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC. Intermediate Apprenticeships are designed to equip you with the skills to thrive in the world of employment.

What industries offer Intermediate Apprenticeships?

These work and training programmes are offered in a vast range of industries and job roles, from construction – in jobs like civil engineering – arts and media, business and law, finance and health, to education, engineering and IT. There are, therefore, Intermediate Apprenticeship schemes suited to all school leavers, of all different interests and skills sets.

On these programmes you’ll spend most of the time working for an employer and learning on-the-job, but you’ll also spend some time at a training institution or local college. During the apprenticeship, you’ll study towards vocational qualifications that are relevant to your job. You can do Intermediate Apprenticeships in all sorts of areas and industries with all types of companies – that’s why they’re a great option for people at the beginning of their careers.

Who can do Intermediate Apprenticeships?

Intermediate Apprenticeships are also perfect for those without a long list of GCSE passes under their belts. Employers might ask for two or more GCSE grades (A*-C) or equivalent, but you might not need any formal qualifications at all – meaning the option is open to plenty of people. An Intermediate Apprenticeship will improve your basic skills though – if you don’t have GCSEs in English and maths you’ll usually be required to take a basic numeracy and literacy test.

If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements, the National Apprenticeship Service runs an Access to Apprenticeship pathway. These programmes provide a stepping stone if you want to progress on to other schemes: once you’ve completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible to move on to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Will I get paid on an Intermediate Apprenticeship?

The work side of an Intermediate Apprenticeship is also great: you’ll be paid at the absolute least the Apprentice National Minimum Wage, but many employers pay their apprentices more than that.

You’ll also gain enviable work-based experience at a relatively early stage, making you super-employable and able to cope well in a workplace environment.

What qualifications could I get on an Intermediate Apprenticeship?

On an Intermediate Apprenticeship, you’ll spend most of the time working for an employer and learning on-the-job, but you’ll also spend some time at a training institution or local college. During the apprenticeship, you’ll study towards vocational qualifications that are relevant to your job.

As well as basic skills, an Intermediate Apprenticeship offers young people a range of qualifications: a Level 2 Competence qualification, a Functional Skills qualification and a relevant knowledge-based qualification. The Level 2 qualification will usually be a NVQ at Level 2, which is equivalent to five GCSEs grades A*-C – perfect for those looking to boost their academic CV. You might also work towards a BTEC, GCSE, or City & Guilds qualification, which will be useful in securing future employment.